Gene Technology

GMO is an abbreviation of “Genetically Modified Organism”. For an organism to be considered as genetically modified, its genome must be artificially changed.

The organisms plants, animals, microorganisms, cell cultures and virus – can be modified in different ways. Special techniques have been developed to e.g. insert genome from one type of organism into a host or to delete parts of a genome from a certain species.

To fall within the scope of the GMO regulation the organism has to be able to reproduce itself. This means that pure DNA do not fall within the scope of the GMO regulation. It is considered as a chemical substance. There is no lower limit for dilution or quantity for the definition of GMO.

Three Uses of GMO

The use of GMO are harmonized through the law of environment and gene technology. Different authorities in Denmark work with regulation of GMOs. These authorities are; The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, the Danish Agriculture Agency, the Danish Health Authority, the Danish Working Environment Authority and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. The Danish legislation distinguish between three applications of genetically modified organisms:

Deliberate release of GMO, which is administrated by The Danish Agricultural Agency

Marketing of GMO, which is administrated by The Danish Agricultural Agency

Contained use of GMO, which is administrated by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.